Northwestern Oklahoma State University

PROJECT PURPOSE

The purpose of this project request is to enhance the student experience in STEM related fields, including nursing, to help recruit, retain, and graduate current and prospective students at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, through technology upgrades and facility improvements. Technology upgrades can assist with the development in STEM fields more now than ever, when we talk about simulation equipment, virtual reality, computer upgrades, and fulfilling lab needs. Also, within this request, Northwestern Oklahoma State University will ensure that accessibility for our nursing students will not be an issue by adding an elevator to Carter Hall which houses our Division of Nursing. Students will also benefit from this request within our Math and Science Departments. This grant will allow students to benefit from updated simulation equipment, anatomical models, virtual reality, and updated computer labs, which will enhance their experience and better prepare them to join the workforce here in Oklahoma. With clinical space being sought after by many institutions, especially in rural Oklahoma, these simulations help with preparation and can be counted toward clinical experience hours directly with nursing. Ensuring accessibility all classroom spaces and labs to all students, we hope to add numbers specifically to our nursing program.

EVIDENCE

For this particular proposal, ideas were initially discussed by looking at the most recent allocation from our legislature for higher education?s budget. Monies above our request were given toward STEM related fields. The states critical occupation was also utilized for this request. Increasing the number of nursing candidates and other STEM related jobs will be critical in achieving this goal. Northwestern Oklahoma State University has built important partnerships with local hospitals and businesses that utilize advisory boards, which provided critical information in our decision making process for these programs and this request.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

There would many people who benefit from this request. First, our students would benefit from the increased technology and infrastructure upgrades in the areas of math/computer science, science, and nursing. Second, with Northwestern Oklahoma State University graduates more likely to stay and work within the state, our communities and businesses across the state would benefit from our graduates. They would be prepared with the most updated technology and simulation equipment which would enhance their skill base and prepare them for today?s workforce. Finally, Northwestern Oklahoma State University has great partnerships with our local communities in particular. With our location in rural Oklahoma, rural communities and workforce would be improved and this we see this as critical for our state economy to grow and prosper, but also would be prepared to deal with what we learned from the last pandemic.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Hands on learning experiences, especially in rural Oklahoma are critical to the development of our students. Simulation and virtual reality are becoming more effective in assisting the progress of students in STEM majors, including nursing. Build labs, design labs and research labs are an important part of our curriculum so these upgrades will also help with our preparation of our students. Outcomes that we would look for are an 85% better on our NCLEX and AANP certification results as well as increasing student numbers in areas of STEM related majors, including all pre-professional degrees, math, computer science, and nursing.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

One-time project will not need continued funding